The special assembly election Governor Paterson announced, then rescinded, in Queens is on again -- at least for the moment.
"Although there were concerns raised about last week's announcement," says the Governor, "after a comprehensive review of the issues at stake, I have determined that a Special Election on Primary Day is the most cost-effective, expeditious way to ensure that the people of the 38th District are appropriately represented in the Assembly."
Would-be candidate Farouk Samaroo (pictured) claims disenfranchisement and is suing, requesting "injunctive relief and a temporary restraining order" on behalf of himself and several other office-seekers who had petitioned for the primary ballot and now have to start all over again for the special election.
Samaroo wants Paterson's proclamation declared "unconstitutional and therefore null, void and of no legal effect." He also mentions in his filing that he "is an Indian-American person, and as such is a member of a protected class under the Voting Rights Act."
Samaroo was profiled last month by the Queens Gazette, which reported that he had served as an intern to Congressman Floyd Flake at age 12, fought in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, and was "both promoted and fired -- in the same week -- by disgraced Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin. "
The race is to replace Anthony Seminerio, who resigned in disgrace earlier this year.
